*NOTE: Unranked schools on this list don’t have on-campus living options, so on-campus costs are not available.

The College ROI Report ranks New York schools by highest return on investment. This way, New York students can invest in their education just like Wall Street experts invest in the stock market. Students who attend colleges in the Empire State can take advantage of some of the best values for college education, but they also enjoy close proximity to the excitement of New York City and the beauty of Upstate New York regions like the Adirondacks and the Thousand Islands. Consider using PayScale's data to easily zero in on the best value colleges in New York.

With a national ranking for 20 Year Net ROI of 18, NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering easily tops the New York College ROI Report rankings. With its incredible location in downtown Brooklyn, the school's compact, 16-acre campus plays host to around 4,800 students per year. The average cost to earn a NYU Polytechnic degree is $219,100. However, alums of the school report a median return of investment of $713,900 in the two decades after they graduate. When financial aid is factored in, that figure soars to $802,600. Founded in 1854, NYU Polytechnic is best known for its programs in the applied sciences, civil engineering, urban engineering, mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. (It's no wonder that a school with such a strong engineering emphasis shows such high returns -- engineering jobs are in demand!)

Many alums have gone on to become inventors, scientists and business leaders, and three Novel Prize winners have been affiliated with the school through the years. Without question, NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering offers a value of college education New York residents can use to develop successful careers.

Located in Troy, New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute -- or RPI, as it's more commonly known -- is ranked 27th nationally when it comes to 20 Year Net ROI. Made up of six schools, RPI offers more than 140 degree programs across more than 60 fields. The average cost of a RPI education is $232,500, and the 20 Year Net ROI is $680,500, a figure that skyrockets to $774,200 with financial aid. The school, whose 265-acre campus overlooks the Hudson River, is best known for its programs in the technical arts and applied sciences and has produced many accomplished alumni through the years. It's clear to see that it offers a college return on investment New York residents benefit from greatly.

Despite its name, Manhattan College is located in the Bronx. Originally located in Manhattan when it was founded in 1853, the school is ranked 33rd nationally, which easily makes it one of the best value colleges New York students can attend. Manhattan College is made up of five undergraduate schools, and alumni report a median return of investment of $647,900 in the two decades after graduation. Many notable alumni came out of the school, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.